Ophian Rising Casting Call

Now that the startling conclusion to the Soul Cycle has been out for a while–and none of you have an excuse for not having finished reading it yet–it’s high time I followed up on the fantasy cast lists I compiled for Nethereal, Souldancer, and The Secret Kings with a casting call for The Ophian Rising.

NB: Considering the reprehensible state of Hollywood at the moment, there’s no way I’d let any mainstream studio option the rights to my work, but a man can dream.

Among other roles, Eccleston’s celebrated turn as the ninth Doctor proves he can play a thinking man’s action hero with a hint of a dark side. He’d ace the role of OR’s misfit Night Gen rogue.

Serra: Karl Urban

If the geek culture dominance of Hollywood that started with The Lord of the Rings has taught us anything, it’s that Karl Urban will play anything to please the fans. Other character actors could probably bring the Soul Cycle’s weeb swordsman to life, but no one could match Urban for sheer nerd gusto.

Will Konith; Tom Holland

Tom Holland’s interplay with Michael Keaton almost saved the train wreck that was Spider-Man Homecoming. The same youthful, impulsive exuberance tinged with hardship that he brought to his performance as Peter Parker would serve him well as Queen Astlin’s outlaw squire.

John Lasker: Daniel Brühl

In Civil War, he played a mortal man who spun a fiendish web of intrigue to wreak vengeance on a pantheon of demigods. That kind of resume perfectly qualifies Daniel Brühl to play Ophian ringleader John Lasker.

Aesham Daeva: Ted Raimi

Readers of prior SC casting calls know I like to keep acting teams that have good synergy together. That preference, along with his sterling record of horror and prosthetics work, makes casting Bruce Campbell’s fellow Evil Dead alum Ted Raimi as the Serpent’s avatar a no-brainer.

Almeth Elocine: Benedict Cumberbatch

It’s a union rule that all SFF films must cast Benedict Cumberbatch in at least a major supporting role.That concludes the casting call for The Ophian Rising and the Soul Cycle as a whole. I hope you enjoyed this little thought experiment. And by all means, share your opinions about my picks or make your own in the comments.